With growing awareness of climate change and rising demand for eco-friendly living, green home loans are fast becoming an important financing option for homeowners and property investors in Australia. Green home loans offer a unique opportunity to invest in sustainable living and access long-term savings when building, buying or renovating property. If you’re considering going green in your home, here’s what you need to know about green home loans ..read more

Stamp duty is one cost that catches people off guard when buying property in Australia. It’s a significant expense that needs to be factored into the budget early on. But what exactly is stamp duty, and how does it affect your property purchase? In this guide, we’ll answer some of the common questions around stamp duty, to make it easier for you to understand and to plan for this expense ..read more

If you’re finding it tough to manage your mortgage repayments, you’re not alone. The rising cost of living, unexpected expenses and changes to income have left many Australians feeling similar financial pressure. But the good news is that help is available, and taking steps early on can make all the difference. Here’s a look at the options that may be available to you, if you’re experiencing financial hardship or are at risk of mortgage stress ..read more

If the chaos of the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that nothing in life is guaranteed. In recent years, we’ve seen income levels fluctuate, house prices soar, and the cost of living rise to record-new levels. These changes significantly impact how people manage their budget and mortgage repayments. Whether you’re looking to save money with a favourable interest rate, finance a renovation to improve value, or access equity for further investment, refinancing your home loan could be a smart move. Find out if refinancing is right for you by exploring the benefits in various scenarios ..read more

Buying a home at auction can be an exciting experience, with the potential to secure a desirable property at a price you’re prepared to pay. Two important factors to consider before bidding at an auction are getting finance-ready and being insurance-ready. With Harcourts’ Blue Friday taking place on Friday, 13 September 2024, you’ll have a unique opportunity to secure your dream home at Australia’s biggest single day auction event. Here are our tips to help you prepare to buy a property at auction ..read more

Bad credit can significantly impact your financial health, leading to higher interest rates on loans, difficulty securing credit, and even affecting your ability to get a mortgage. It happens when you miss repayments, default on loans, or make too many credit applications. Repairing bad credit is essential for gaining control of your finances and improving your financial position. Here are some actionable steps you can take to repair bad credit ..read more

Winter in Australia can bring chilly weather, with parts of the country experiencing near-freezing temperatures. Turning up the heaters to stay warm can push up the power bills, and with the high cost of living that can really stretch the budget. Even though we're halfway through the season, there are still a few things you can do to improve your home's comfort and reduce your energy bills. Here are five ways to winter-proof your home and save on energy costs ..read more

Australia’s borrowers have been given another reprieve, with the Reserve Bank of Australia leaving the cash rate on hold for a fifth consecutive board meeting in June 2024. With inflation remaining stubbornly high however, the RBA has retained the option of a further rate hike if needed. If you're considering refinancing your home loan, the process is simpler than you might think. Here’s a closer look at what’s involved in refinancing and how to know when it’s the right time to refinance ..read more

From the out-of-this-world charm of ‘Sleepytime’ to Bingo's unexpected sightings of magic in the everyday, 'Bluey' is more than just a kids' show – it's a slice of life that resonates with adults, too. Recently, an episode of Bluey called ‘Ghostbasket’ went viral as millions of fans across the globe wondered what it meant for the Heeler family Bandit, Chilli, Bluey and Bingo, the kid-friendly Australian cattle dogs as they embarked on their own real estate journey, in putting their home on the market ahead of making a move to a new location ..read more

If you’re finding it tough to manage your mortgage repayments, you’re not alone. The rising cost of living, unexpected expenses and changes to income have left many Australians feeling similar financial pressure. But the good news is that help is available, and taking steps early on can make all the difference. Here’s a look at the options that may be available to you, if you’re experiencing financial hardship or are at risk of mortgage stress ..read more